Published in KeepMECurrent -By Kate Irish Collins -September 15, 2016

The Eastern Trail in Scarborough now features an unusual structure – a library.

A new Little Free Library, which was erected through a partnership between the Scarborough Public Library and the Scarborough Kiwanis Club, stands adjacent to the trail parking lot off Pine Point Road.

The goal for the little library, part of the international Little Free Library network, is to provide free books for youngsters, young adults and adults, as well as to help build a sense of community.

“The Little Free Library is a wonderful way to build a sense of community while encouraging reading,” Nancy Crowell, director of the Scarborough Public Library, said. “There is a wonderful serendipity in browsing a (Little Free Library) collection. You never know who will have left what title. (And while it’s) not essential for a library visitor to return or donate a book, the spirit of sharing encourages an exchange.”

The Little Free Library on the Eastern Trail has gotten a lot of use in the month or so since it was put up, said Joyce Leary Clark, president of the Kiwanis Club, with Kiwanis members replenishing the stock of books available multiple times already.

This little library is the second one in Scarborough, according to Crowell, who said that Emily Read, president of the library board, also has a Free Little Library in her Windward Lane neighborhood, which includes a geocache, as well.

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